Chris is beyond ecstatic that he's finally coming home for Christmas. A month of rest and nothing else. He loves his job but the intensity of it gets to him sometimes.

The cab pulled up in front of his childhood home and he jumped out and took his suitcase at the back. His mom, Lisa, and sister, Carly, must have heard the cab that hey went out and greeted him. As excited as he is to be home.

This is what he lives for. His loving family. Great friends.

Its great to be back in Boston.

~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~

Harper Krait stares blankly in front of her while eating the last apple they have on the table.

I need to do grocery later. Budget is $25, she thought to herself.

Her mom haven't woken up yet. Thank God.

This quiet moments before her mom comes out of her room is bliss. No shouting, no rummaging for whiskey, no hurtful words.

Just quiet. Stillness.

Harper can hear the leaves rustling in the wind, hear the birds sing. She could literally smell Christmas...

And then HE passed by.

Harper froze like a cartoon character. Unmoving. Just her head and eyes following him as he walked his dog. Her heart thundering in her chest, like always.

He's back.

Merry Christmas, Harper Krait.